Category Archives: Emergency Service Incidents

As Sydney sweltered through its hottest day on record, fire crews were on standby ready to respond immediately to incidents. In the late afternoon storms brought rain and a temperature drop, easing the threat. Great news until a lightning strike hit dense scrub inside the National Park along West Head Road.

A number of fire crews responded to the area, reporting increasing smoke activity while other crews were working to clear storm debris elsewhere in the district. Burning through coastal Heath the fire intensity increased and additional units were called in. Helicopters including an Aircrane were also used for a short time before fading daylight required them to leave.

A major concern for firefighters was a predicted southerly wind change predicted to bring winds of 80kmh. Firefighters worked hard to contain the blaze ahead of the change but were forced to move from the flames due to erratic fire behaviour.

Burning deep in the National Park, there was no immediate threat to property however tankers were deployed to the small communities along the water to the east as a precaution.

Firefighters from local brigades and nearby Hornsby district continue to work on the fire today with easing conditions assisting firefighters.